Ref.

Applied Research an Introduction to Quantitative Research methods and Report Writing

Authors: Ma. Lourdes F. Melegrito, PhD

Diana Mendoza

Descriptive research

Designed to give "answers to questions of who, what, when, where and how which ate linked
with a research problem" If you notice, descriptive research does not answer the question "why"
because if does not seek to explain why certain things happen. It is applied only to describe what
exists and to gather information about the current status of a certain phenomenon (Anastas 1999
as cited in Salkind and Rasmussen, 2007 pp 251-254).

This type of research observes a subject or situation in a natural and unchanged environment. It
can provide a wealth of information which can be used as a basis for decision-making and
improvement of certain practices. It gathers a big volume of data for through analysis. According
to Anastas(1999) as cited in Salkind and Rasmussen (2007, pp 251-254), descriptive research is
often used as a precursur to more quantitative research design, with the general overview giving
some valuable pointers as to what variables are worth testing quantitavely.

is used to describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon being studied. It does not

answer questions about how/when/why the characteristics occurred. Rather it addresses the
"what" question (what are the characteristics of Minnesota state population or situation being
studied?) The characteristics used to describe the situation or population are usually some kind of
categorical scheme also known as descriptive categories. For example, the periodic table
categorizes the elements. Scientists use knowledge about the nature of electrons, protons and
neutrons to devise this categorical scheme. We now take for granted the periodic table, yet it
took descriptive research to devise it. Descriptive research generally precedes explanatory
research. For example, over time the periodic tables description of the elements allowed
scientists to explain chemical reaction and make sound prediction when elements were
combined.
Experimental research

A type of quantitative research that authorizes researchers to "control the situation which allows
them to answer the question. 'What causes something to occur ?' In addition, it also sanctions
researchers to "Identify cause and effect relationships between variable and distinguish placebo
effects from treatment effects," Moreover, It "supports the ability to limit alternative
explanations and to infer direct casual relationship in the study(Anastas 2000 as cited in Salkind
2010 pp 448-453).

According to Bryman (2008), experimental research is applied as a gauge against which

nonexperimental research is evaluated. It is considered as a benchmark because it stimulates
significant confidence in the vigor and reliability of casual findings. This is an indication that
true experimental are inclined to be very robust in its internal validity. You must however bear in
mind that a true experiment requires a manipulation of the independent variable to detect its
influence on the dependent variable

where the researcher manipulates one variable, and control/randomizes the rest of the variables.
It has a control group, the subjects have been randomly assigned between the groups, and the
researcher only tests one effect at a time.
 DESCRIPTIVE AND
EXPERIMENTAL
RESEARCH

Rayniel Q Perez
St. Athanasius of Alexandria